Coach: Bob McGuinness
2014: 2nd Silverware arrived at the Veneto Club in 2014 courtesy of a 2-0 Women’s State Knockout Cup Triumph over South Melbourne. Bobby McGuinness’ side also fared exceptionally well on the domestic front, completing the season in second spot – advancing to the semi-finals before meeting its demise against Premiers and eventual champions, South Melbourne.
Equipped with a dynamic and expansive passing game, McGuinness’ philosophy won many admirers throughout 2014, displaying an attractive brand of football, and a hard working philosophy.
The Lions also reached the summit of the table midway through 2014, before settling for second, eleven points adrift of South.
READ MORE > Under the radar no more: Bulleen on notice for 2015
New Signings: McGuinness has fiercely recruited over the summers’ break, including a raft of star-studded names to his talented squad. Melbourne Victory’s all-time leading goal scorer Caitlin Friend arrives at the Veneto Club and is joined by W-League championship winning teammates Beattie Goad and Cassie Dimovski.
READ MORE > The Dossier: Cassie Dimovski
NTC product Maddie Stockdale will add some depth and quality to the back four, while the return to fitness of Jessica Tay and Ash Beagley resembles that of new signings for the Lions.
Heidelberg’s Melanie Camilleri will press her case for a spot up front while Comets recruit Charlie West bolsters the midfield brigade.
Players to watch: Expect Victory’s trio to grab headlines throughout the season. Friend and Goad are anticipated to fire in the final third, while Dimovski will adjoin some sturdy resistance between the posts.
Reigning club best and fairest winner Cindy Lay – formerly of Melbourne Victory – has made her mark as one of the competition’s premier midfielders, equipped with the silkiest of skills and potent passing, capable of unlocking any defence.
Versatile centre-half Emily Dolzan struck a following for her bold defending and surging David Luiz-esque bursts forward while her name sake Emily Coppock lead Bulleen’s goal count in 2014 with 15 of her own.
What to expect in 2015: In terms of player personnel, it’s Bulleen’s league to lose. McGuiness and co. has recruited arguably the strongest list across the competition, capable of collecting all silverware on offer.
Keeping his star-studded squad in check will be one challenge for Scotsman however, as a number of talented names are sure to miss out on a starting eleven berth. The weight of expectation may surface throughout the season but expect the Bulleen girls to drop very few points as they march their way throughout a successful 2015.